Why is lowland heath important?

Together, the British and Irish lowland heathlands make up about 20% of the world’s total lowland heath resource. There are 12,500 ha of lowland heath in Wales – covering about 0.6% of Wales and making up approximately 23% of the UK total lowland heathlands. They contain a variety of special plant and animal species.

Lowland heathland is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat. This means that it is one of only 38 habitats in Wales that have been listed as priorities under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), with actions and targets set for their improvement and expansion that have to be reported on every 3 years. CCW and its partner organisations, such as the RSPB, National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, National Parks, local authorities and the Forestry Commission, are taking forward much of the work to achieve these national targets.

Added to this, around 13% of lowland heathland is included within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and there are 8 Special Areas of Conservation which are important for lowland or maritime heath.

Lowland heathland survey

CCW carried out a detailed botanical survey of a selection of lowland heathland sites between 1993 and 2001. The survey focused mainly on sites of known conservation value, large sites and more western and coastal sites and provided important information for the designation and management of significant lowland heathland sites in West Wales.

Lowland heathlands in Wales can be divided into three main types: